Course details
Following the major retrospective of Barbara Hepworth’s work at Tate St Ives, join us for this Hepworth-inspired webinar using the artist’s remarkable series of drawings as a starting point.
This new series of online classes, ‘Postcards from …’ will use the places in and around St Ives that inspired an international roster of artists including Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Ben Nicholson, Christopher Wood, Alfred Wallis, Bryan Wynter and Patrick Heron.
Focusing in particular on sites which captured these artists’ imagination, Postcards from… will take you on a creative journey to the famous spots around St Ives including its harbour, Porthmeor Beach and its cobbled, winding streets, lined with stone fishermen’s houses. Using films of these familiar landscapes, led by one of our experienced tutors, this series will transport you to these inspiring St Ives locations, wherever you are in the world.
The outbreak of the second world war put enormous restrictions on Hepworth’s time, materials and studio space. Creating an exquisite body of abstract and figurative works during this period, drawings were a more accessible outlet for Hepworth’s creativity. Drawings also, however, became substitutes for sculptures when Hepworth’s time and resources were restricted due to domestic chores and childcare. Writing to a friend Hepworth said:
‘If I didn’t have to cook, wash-up, nurse children ad infinitum, I should carve carve carve. The proof of this is in the drawings. They are not just ways of amusing myself nor are they experimental probings – they are my sculptures born in the disguise of two dimensions.’
Led by artist Hilary Jean Gibson, this webinar uses Hepworth’s lesser-known artistic output to see how drawing was an important means for the artist to explore forms that influenced her practice as a sculptor. Hilary will be working live from our historic studios overlooking Porthmeor Beach, but you can join us wherever you are in the world.
What will I learn?
- Learn about the lesser-known creative outputs of Barbara Hepworth.
- See how to draw more sculpturally and to add texture and form to your drawings.
- See how to capture light, tone and shade in your drawings.
Who would this course suit?
Beginners and those with more experience are both welcome to join. If you are looking to learn new ways to expand your drawing and painting practice, or just inspiration by looking to other artists, this course is for you.
How does an online session work?
You can watch the webinar on demand, as often as you like, for up to 60 days after purchase. You will also be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your discoveries with fellow students from around the world.
Share your work live with others on social media using the #schoolofpainting
Taught by
What to Bring
A list of materials that you will need for the course will be available in your online learning system upon purchase.
You will need access to the internet and either a Smart TV, PC or laptop or a tablet with audio. Phones are not really suitable however cast your phone to a Smart TV.
FAQs
Studio Courses
How can I get help in choosing a course?
Our friendly expert staff are always happy to discuss your needs and our courses in more detail to help you with your decision. Please call us on 01736 797180
How do I get my work home?
Tutors have special techniques for transporting oil paintings and the school has plastic folders available in our shop for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.
For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home.
What do I need to bring?
Absolutely nothing! All materials and aprons are provided although some people do like to bring their own set of brushes.
What do I do for lunch?
Courses allow an hour’s break for lunch and there are numerous places nearby or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch into the studio.
What times do courses run?
Most of our courses start at 10am and end at 4.30pm on the first day. Subsequent days we start at 9.30am ending at 4pm.
Weekend Courses run 10am – 4pm on the first day but the final day starts at 9.30 and ends at 3.30 with a short lunch break to enable people to get home that evening.
Do you have to be experienced to come to the School?
The School is a very friendly and welcoming place for all ages and experience. Our drop-in life classes and August half-day workshops are ideal for those wanting to have a go for the first time. Most of our longer courses are also fine for novices.
If any of the courses do need a bit of experience we flag this up in the brochure and on the website.
Booking a Course
How can I reserve a place?
We will hold a provisional reservation for 24 hours if you give us a call whilst you find accommodation. Otherwise please book online or by telephone 01736 797180.
You can reserve a place with a £100 deposit; balance is due 12 weeks before course start date.
About St Ives
Where do I park?
The nearest long stay public car parks are the Island and Barnoon Long Stay Car Park, both a 5 minute walk away. In the peak summer months it may be easier to park at Trenwith Car Park by the leisure centre and walk down into town. If you don’t fancy the walk up the hill at the end of the day there is a shuttle bus which runs from outside the cinema.
How do I get there?
Public Transport: If you are coming from further afield the main train line runs into St Erth which is a 15 min taxi ride away or you can take the St Ives Bay Line which runs approx. every 30 minutes. The School is a 10 minute walk from St Ives station.
Driving: M5 will take you to Exeter where we recommend that you take the A30 across Bodmin Moor and into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, leave the A30 at St Erth roundabout for St Ives. Turn right at the second roundabout. This road will take you through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives.
Where can I stay?
St Ives has a huge selection of hotels, guest houses and self catering accommodation to choose from. Please browse the art holidays St Ives section on our website and give us a call if you would like any help.
